A list of major high street shops that are set to close down next week has been revealed. As the cost of living rises and energy bills soar, businesses continue to feel the knock-on effect from the pandemic. Even industry giants are falling victim to high street closures, with figures showing that the UK has lost 6,000 stores over a five-year period. Here are some of the major shops that will be closing their doors:
Boots
Beauty retailer Boots has announced the closure of 300 shops over the next year, following several closures in 2023. Some of the stores closing by the end of the year include Mudge Way in Plymouth, Mount Pleasant in Exeter, and Front Street in Prudhoe. Boots has stated that all team members from these stores will be offered alternative roles.
Tesco
Tesco will be closing a branch in Liverpool on November 15. The closure follows the company's decision to close two other branches after scrapping its new brand, Jack's. Tesco had launched Jack's stores four years ago to compete with bargain retailers Lidl and Aldi, but due to lack of customer demand, it has decided to close all Jack's stores. However, Tesco still has around 2,800 locations open.
Lidl
Discount food shop Lidl has seen several locations shut down recently. A branch in Beckenham is set to close on November 16. However, Lidl is planning to open hundreds of new branches across the UK. The retailer aims to have 1,100 stores by the end of 2025, creating 4,000 new jobs.
B&M
Discount retailer B&M has closed a branch in Westmorland Retail Park, Cramlington, as part of its relocation plans. However, a new Cramlington store has been unveiled.
Cineworld
Cinema chain Cineworld is closing a branch in Hengrove Leisure Park, South Bristol, on November 26. This is the last remaining cinema in the area. Trident Retail Park Cineworld in Runcorn is also closing on the same date.
Clarks
Shoe retailer Clarks is closing multiple stores, including those in Newport Retail Park in Spytty, High Street in Newcastle under Lyme, Riverside Retail Park in Norwich, and Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Kent.
Homebase
DIY chain Homebase is closing two stores in November and one in December. The stores closing in November are located in Marsh Mills Retail Park in Plymouth and on Southam Road in Banbury. The store at the O2 Centre on Finchley Road in London will close in December.
M&S
The M&S store in the Eagles Meadow Foodhall in Wrexham will close on November 30. M&S has announced the closure of ten stores this year and plans to relocate to new sites.
Wetherspoons
Wetherspoons has closed 34 pubs in the last 18 months and has plans to close dozens more. Currently, 27 Wetherspoons pubs are up for sale, with ten under offer. Some of the pubs at risk of closing include The Gate House in Doncaster, The Market Cross in Holywell, and Jolly Sailor in Hanham.
Other high street brands, including New Look, M&Co, Paperchase, Habitat, and Argos, have also announced closures in recent months. It's clear that the high street is facing significant challenges as businesses adapt to changing consumer demands and economic conditions.
